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Submit a community asset transfer request

You need to complete a full application to start the formal community asset transfer process.

We suggest that you
submit an expression of interest
before making a formal request. This would allow us to help you develop a strong application and iron out any issues before putting substantial effort in to a full transfer request.

It would be worthwhile talking to our asset transfer lead about your ideas. We'll explain more about the process and give you advice on submitting an application.

Who can apply

Only a
Community Transfer Body
can make an asset transfer request. This is either a community controlled body or a body designated by the Scottish Ministers.

A Community Transfer Body must:

say what community it speaks for

allow all people who are part of their community to be members

have a membership of at least 20

have a membership mostly made up of people from their community

use any money it makes for the benefit of their community

Complete an application

Our asset transfer process is designed to make sure your organisation has fully consulted with the local community and is in a strong position to acquire an asset.

You must have a clear vision that's supported by the community and shows how the asset would benefit local people. It's also important that you have a sustainable, practical business plan with identified funding.

The level of detail we need depends on the scale and type of project. We've developed a form to help ensure all of the necessary information is submitted:

What happens next

We'll acknowledge your application when all of the relevant information has been provided and we've confirmed you qualify as a Community Transfer Body.

We're required to notify others who may be interested and provide enough time for those parties to make representations if necessary. We will:

publish a redacted version of the application for public inspection

notify any tenant, group or occupier of the land or building

ask you to put up a public notice about the request

You'll get at least 20 working days to comment on any representations received.

We'll assess the application before presenting a report to
Policy and Resources Committee
for a final decision. The report will contain a summary of the application, our assessment and recommendations as well as the view of local councillors. Councillors will consider a range of factors:

the reasons for the request

supporting information

whether agreeing the request would be likely to promote or improve economic development, regeneration, public health, social wellbeing or environmental wellbeing

whether agreeing the request would be likely to reduce inequalities

any other benefits

the benefits of any alternative proposal(s)

other matters that are considered appropriate

We have 6 months to issue a decision notice from the date we officially acknowledge your application. We will not sell, lease or dispose of the land to anyone else until the process is finished.